Knowsley’s SEND Reform Plan has been approved by the Department for Education, who has also confirmed just over £39m of funding to support its delivery.
The plan is part of the Government’s national SEND reform programme and sets out how the local area partnership will deliver sustainable improvement in outcomes for children and young people with SEND, strengthen inclusion and establish a more resilient and financially sustainable local system.
The plan was developed by the SEND local area partnership, including Knowsley Council and NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, and was informed by feedback and engagement with parents, carers, children and young people, professionals, those working in education and community settings.
It builds on recent and ongoing local improvements, including the creation of an Autism Advisory Team and SEND Improvement Team earlier this year. In addition, schools have been supported with expansion plans over the last two years to create more school places, including a new Special Educational Needs Unit to strengthen local sufficiency and inclusion.
Knowsley’s partnership is committed to delivering an inclusive, high quality and financially sustainable SEND system that enables all children and young people to achieve, thrive and prepare successfully for adulthood, aligned with local priorities for children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and achieving.
The plan prioritises prevention, early intervention and inclusion and focusses on five goals:-
- Children and families receive earlier, more joined up and responsive support
- A culture of co-production is evident across Knowsley’s SEND partnership, with children, young people, families and all partners working together to shape services
- Children and young people experience inclusion and belonging across Knowsley, supported by a sufficient local offer within their community
- Children and young people have equitable access to consistently high-quality support
- Children and young people with SEND achieve positive outcomes, including strong attainment, progress and participation in education, employment and training
Success will be demonstrated through improved outcomes for children and young people, greater family confidence, a more inclusive local education system, and a financially sustainable SEND system that can meet future demand.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said “This is great news for children, young people and families in Knowsley. Our three year plan, and the supporting funding, will make a real difference to the support provided by the SEND Local Area Partnership. Through our partnership working, our shared priorities are for children and young people to be safe, happy, healthy and achieve in life. Thank you to everyone who shared their views and shaped the plan which aims to make practical and lasting improvements.”